I highly recommend that you do use a real estate agent who will be working for and representing your interests when buying new construction. 

The builder's sales person will not volunteer items that will hurt the builders interest. They are WORKING EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE BUILDER. The building process can take up to 9 months or more to complete your new home. During this time, I will interface with the builder and and assist you in monitoring the construction progress to make sure that you are getting what you pay for. You may not think you need an inspection in a brand new home. However, in my experience, more problems are found in new construction than in most 20-year-old homes! A lot of buyers just think that, since their home comes with a one year warranty, that they will just wait to see if anything goes wrong. I highly recommend having 3 third party inspections done, 1st before pouring the slap, 2nd before Sheetrock and third at the end 4 days before closing. These inspection are beyond building code. 

When the home is completed the sale cannot close unless you sign off on the final inspection. Builders will often pressure a buyer to "hurry up and close the sale", in order to get their money. As your Realtor, I will make sure that you are COMPLETELY satisfied with your new home before you complete he contract. All commissions are paid by the seller (builder). There is no cost to you to have an Agent working for you. I can assist you in your choices and give advice on what is best for resale. For example: desirable floor plan, color choices, location, lot characteristics, upgrades and more. This alone will greatly improve your chances of a more profitable and quicker sale when it comes time to sell that home in the future.  

Many buyers do not consider the value of other homes in the neighborhood when building, or buying that 'close out' builder home. You do not want to be the one that paid $75K more for a home in a subdivision then all other existing home sales. I see this happen all too often, and it will be a big issue when you need to sell.  A future buyer of your home will not pay $75K more then the rest of the neighborhood just because you did.  I will research and review with you the value of other homes in that subdivision and surrounding areas.  This is a huge investment for you, let me help.

Anja Drewes